Interior Blind Snake - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Ramphotyphlops endoterus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 08 Aug 1997

Profile last updated: 01 Aug 2024

Description

A small worm-like burrowing snake. Grey brown to reddish brown with a paler snout.

Distribution

Known from Mutawintji and Sturt NPs in far north west NSW. Recent surveys have trapped this species west of Pooncarie in the State's south-west; and on Toorale NP west of Bourke.

Habitat and ecology

Nocturnal. Feeds principally on ants and termites.
Shelters in the ground, termite nests or under rocks and logs.
Found in red sandy soils in spinifex, Mitchell grassland or shrubland.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Overgrazing of habitat and soil compaction by feral goats and livestock.
The small size of this population also makes it vulnerable to genetic introgression and one-off catastrophic events.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Reduce or exclude grazing in some areas to allow habitat regeneration
Retain grasslands, including the full cycle of grass development (seed set to tussock formation).
Retain stick and leaf litter.
Retain understorey shrubs.
Retain fallen logs as habitat, especially if logs are embedded in the soil
Maintain exfoliating and soil surface rocks.
Maintain Triodia (spinifex or porcupine grass).
Report any new sightings of Inland Blind Snake to OEH/NPWS.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
NSW Scientific Committee (1997) Interior Blind Snake - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Mootwingee Downs	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Warrego Sands	Known	None
Mulga Lands	West Warrego	Predicted	None
Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Known	None